Cidco issues notice to 24 illegal shops at railway stations in Navi Mumbai

The shops have allegedly been using gas cylinders for cooking, despite having permission to sell only dry food products.

The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (Cidco) issued notices to 24 establishments at its railway stations in the city for flouting fire-safety norms.

Nerul station has shops blocking the stairs. (HT File)

They have allegedly been using gas cylinders for cooking, despite having permission to sell only dry food products.

“We have issued a 30-day notice to 24 establishments. If owners do not rectify within the stipulated period, we will seal their shops and stop water supply. We have informed the NMMC about it,” said DS Chore, official from the Cidco Estate department.

Cidco has warned that if the illegal businesses are not shut within 30 days, it will seal the shops and disconnect their water supply.

It has also written to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to cancel the fire NOC and food licences of such establishments. The notice has been issued by the Cidco Estate department.

Cidco had given shops on lease at 10 railway stations, since 1997-98, out of which, several allegedly flouted the norms specified.

While, Cidco in the past has taken action against them, several have gone back to the illegalities.

Cidco had clearly stated what can and cannot be done in each of the shops. Some have even put up chairs and tables outside their galas illegally.

At Nerul railway station, the staircase has been blocked by such establishments. At Sanpada too, the space has been encroached, said Cidco officials.

“If the establishments at the railway stations have not taken the requisite permissions, we will take stern action against them,” said Prabhakar Gade, fire officer, NMMC.

Earlier, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) started taking action against hotels and restaurants which are violating the fire-safety norms. It has declared that all rooftop restaurants are illegal.